"Well, I'm back—and I had a midnight snack," Elora said, glancing at her mother's expression. She could tell right away-her mother had seen her and Tatum hugging.

After a brief silence, she decided to speak first.

"Mom."

"Elora."

They spoke at the same time, then fell silent again.

"You go first, Mom." Elora stepped closer. "You're clearly not sleepy yet. Come to my room- we can have a mother-daughter chat."

That way, they wouldn't disturb her father and brother.

Mrs. Ormond followed her daughter into the bedroom.

She rarely entered Elora's space. Ever since Elora started junior high, she had made it a point not to go into her daughter's room without permission.

As her children grew, they needed their own privacy, and she respected that.

down. Do you want some water?" Elora asked, noticing her mother's hesitation. She

thirsty. No need for water." Mrs. Ormond studied her daughter for a moment before saying, "Elora, you just got back from a business trip. Why don't you take a hot bath first? I'll sit here for a bit, and we can talk

she needed a little time to process what she had

a wonderful man, and his cooking was exceptional-so exceptional that Elora

would only last for a short period, thinking that Tatum was simply doing his job to stay

noticed how attentive Tatum was to Elora, but she hadn't thought too much

After all, Tatum wasn't just any chef-he was the

only natural that her attitude toward Tatum had softened once she learned

expected sparks

Elora's future, often arranging introductions to outstanding young men in the city. But none

had no idea what kind of

asked, Elora would simply say she wasn't focused on relationships. Her priority was managing the

family's circumstances, and the fact that Elora was

yet thirty, Mrs. Ormond hadn't pushed

however, particular about her

power made them a target. If Elora married the

suffer in an unhappy marriage, but she could also

business, the risk of outsiders gaining control

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